Chobani® Pledges $1 Million to Famine Relief Efforts in Somalia

NORWICH, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the charitable arm of Chobani, is pledging $1 million to the Global Enrichment Foundation to support their famine relief efforts in Somalia.  The United Nations has described the famine in Somalia as the "worst humanitarian disaster" in the world, with an estimated four million Somalis – over half of the country's population – in need of aid.

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Through their Convoy for Hope initiative, the Global Enrichment Foundation provides much needed food to individuals in route to Kenyan refugee camps. To date, they have delivered food-aid to over 39,000 Somalia people. With Chobani's $1 million pledge, these Convoys will provide at least another 250,000 people with life-saving food aid during this critical time.

"We created the Shepherd's Gift Foundation to support passionate people who are making a difference," said Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and Founder of Chobani. "That's why we've chosen to partner with the Global Enrichment Foundation. Their work is inspirational and life changing, and we're grateful for their founder, Amanda Lindhout, and her team's dedication to solving this hunger crisis."

Kidnapped by criminals in Somalia in 2008 and held hostage for 15 months before being released, former journalist Amanda Lindhout became a passionate advocate for Somali women's rights and founded the Global Enrichment Foundation in 2010. Today, she is back in Somalia working alongside local agencies to coordinate Convoys for Hope to feed those in need.

"Hamdi Ulukaya and Chobani have made the decision to feed 250,000 victims of the Somali famine. Their compassion speaks for itself, and is a shining example of how the business community can have an enormous positive impact on the world," said Lindhout.

Chobani's $1 million pledge will be supported by a "Share Hope for Somalia" social media campaign, which will encourage Chobani fans to raise awareness for the cause within their social circles.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/chobani or www.globalenrichmentfoundation.com

About Chobani®

As America's #1 selling yogurt, Chobani believes that people have great taste; they just need great options. That is why Chobani produces only the highest quality, best tasting products made with only natural ingredients out of their South Edmeston, N.Y. production facility. As part of Chobani's Nothing But Good philosophy, they are committed to supporting local farmers and strengthening the New York State economy. They exclusively use milk from New York-area farms and give a portion of their profits to charities worldwide through the Shepherd's Gift Foundation. All Chobani products are gluten free, Kosher certified, made with milk free of rBST and provide two times more protein than regular yogurt. Chobani products retail for MSRP $1.29/6oz, $3.29/16oz, $5.99/32oz, and $3.99/Champions 4-pack and are available nationwide. For more information, please visit www.chobani.com.  

Global Enrichment Foundation

The Global Enrichment Foundation was founded in May 2010 by Amanda Lindhout to provide opportunities to empower leadership in Somalia through development programs.

The Global Enrichment Foundation believes in cultivating leadership potential to build stronger communities and promote peace in Somalia. The transformation from poverty to empowerment begins with gender equality, education and economic empowerment - paving the way for individuals to forge their own key roles in society.

SOURCE Chobani